Capping The Style Stakes

Since its birth in the 1940s, the baseball cap has yo-yoed its way in and out of the closets of the fashion conscious. If the last time you wore a baseball cap was because Fred Durst was doing it, get ready to start rollin' into a new era of fashion, with the new generation of hats hitting the high street.

These days it's women starting the trend, with ladies sporting caps that could easily belong to boyfriends. The singer Rhianna, for example, was recently spotted stepping out in a two-tone baseball cap, teamed with Timberland-style boots, casual slouch jeans and jumper - the ultimate in casual living.

Out on the sand in the Florida sunshine, Gwen Stefani was papped wearing a black baseball hat to complete a beach style outfit, featuring a jungle print bikini, baggy vest and floral sarong.

But perhaps the most interesting trend of late summer is the combination of feminine dresses and tomboy-style headwear. Model Dree Hemingway was spotted at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, sporting a fresh and healthy look, in a long-sleeved white lace maxi dress and New York Yankees cap.

Hats are a trend that summer's unlikely to put a stop to, with retailers stocking their shelves with an array cap styles from snapback and fitted to five panel caps as well as woollen hats to keep you warm this winter.

Fitted caps are the item of choice for most fashionistas - they come in a range of sizes but can't be adjusted by the plastic snaps on the back. You'll find adjustable hats in the snapback cap category. Then there are five panel caps, with their smaller peaks and horizontal panel across the front. This style has been growing in popularity over the last few seasons, largely inspired by the cycle scene. Five panel caps offer a spectrum of block colour designs and innovative patterns, from brands such as Huf, Obey and Size?

Amongst the snapback and fitted cap ranges, you'll find hats supporting a range of sports teams from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Chicago Bulls. But if these teams mean nothing to you, the best bet is to go with the colours that complement your outfit.

For those of you who don't want to use your head to support American baseball or basketball teams, tiki and camo prints are bang on trend too. More Fresh Prince than Fred Durst, these caps brighten up any outfit - and hark back to another hat-wearing heyday.

As the winter sets in, try trading in your caps for the ever-popular beanie. This style of hat isn't just for men; it's ideal for both finishing an autumn/winter outfit and shielding yourself against the cold. Whatever your style, don't step foot outside without the appropriate headwear in 2012/2013.